AGARTALA, May 10 (TIWN): Along with the entire nation, Tripura on Wednesday celebrated Buddha Purnima, the day of Lord Buddha was born with full devotion. Hundreds of devotees at monasteries and temples in Tripura gathered bee storm offering prayers on the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha.

The main celebration is being held at the Buddha monastery in Agartala to light candles and offer prayers.

Buddha Jayanti falls on the full-moon day of Vaisakh (April - May). Millions of people take part in prayer ceremonies in the memory of the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha over 25 centuries ago. 

On this day not only the Buddhists but people from other religions too gather in monasteries and temples and pray for peace here in the state along with the entire nation.

"Lord Buddha made humanity his religion. This has motivated thousands of people to follow his teachings," said Buddhist Priest of Kunjaban Benu Vihar temple. He also said, “Buddha Purnima is the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar and is celebrated on the full-moon day of Vaisakh (April - May) blessed by the birth, enlightenment and passing way of the Buddha.”

Benuban Vihar monastery in Agartala is considered one of the important pilgrim centres of Buddhism in northeast India.

The devotees offer prayers to Lord Buddha on this auspicious day and seek blessings to their life and long for peace and prosperity into their life. “Buddha Purnima is being observed here in Tripura at 130 places,” Priest said.

He said, “The message of Lord Buddha inspires to follow the path of truth, peace and compassion and serve humanity to affirm our faith in the eternal values of non-violence and universal brotherhood.” 

"It is not only for the Buddhists but for all those who believe in Buddhism. People belonging to Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian faiths participate here," the Priest said. 

A three day long fair is also being held in front of the temple at Kunjaban to mark the auspicious day.

Buddha Poornima or Vesak is recognized as the thrice sacred day that marks the Birth, Enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha. While Buddha was born in Lumbini in Nepal, Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya in Bihar, Preached first in Sarnath and Nirvana in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh.